Spartak playmaker Alex to miss Chelsea clash

Moscow: Spartak Moscow playmaker Alex will miss Tuesday`s Champions League match against Chelsea with a thigh injury, the Russian Premier League club said on Sunday. "Medical tests, which were done on Saturday, revealed a minor tear," Spartak coach Valery Karpin told local media."He`ll need about seven to 10 days to recover." The Brazil international was substituted at halftime in Friday`s 3-0 league win over Alania Vladikavkaz shortly after scoring Spartak`s second goal. Alex`s withdrawal has added to Spartak`s mounting injury worries ahead of the top-of-the-table Group F clash against the English champions in Moscow.The Muscovites could also miss leading striker, Alex`s compatriot Welliton, who is yet to recover from a pulled thigh muscle, and Ireland winger Aiden McGeady, who did not play against Alania because of a leg injury. Bureau Report